Google expands Android anti-theft features

On Tuesday, Google announced an expanded set of Android theft-protection features. The updates build on existing tools introduced in 2024, such as Theft Detection Lock, which uses artificial intelligence to sense motion indicating theft, and Offline Device Lock, which serves as a security feature for locked devices. By introducing stronger authentication safeguards and enhanced recovery tools, the company aims to make its mobile devices less of a target for criminals.

Under the new updates, users of devices running Android 16 or higher will gain more control over the Failed Authentication Lock feature. This feature automatically locks a device after an excessive number of failed login attempts, and the update provides a dedicated on-off toggle switch in the device settings. Additionally, the system will offer stronger protection against a thief trying to guess a device owner’s PIN, pattern, or password by increasing the lockout time after failed attempts.

For devices running older versions of the operating system, Remote Lock—a tool that allows users to lock a lost or stolen device from a web browser—will now include an optional security challenge or question. This feature is available for devices running Android 10 or higher, ensuring that only the actual device owner can initiate the lock for added security. The security rollout also builds on Identity Check, a biometric security feature that was rolled out last year for devices running Android 15 and higher.

Although iPhones are often the preferred targets for thieves due to their resale value, Android devices are also subject to theft. This vulnerability applies to high-end Android smartphones, such as Google Pixel Pro devices and premium models from manufacturers like Samsung. To address this, Google is adjusting default settings in specific markets. In Brazil, two theft protection features will be enabled by default. This includes Theft Detection Lock, which uses on-device artificial intelligence to sense motion indicating a “snatch-and-run” theft, and the Remote Lock feature, which will be automatically turned on and accessible from the website android.com/lock.

Why it matters

Google is expanding its Android theft-protection suite to include stronger authentication and recovery tools, aiming to reduce the appeal of Android devices to criminals. By raising the security baseline across multiple versions of its operating system, the company is attempting to protect users from physical device theft and subsequent data exposure.